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Predictive Waste Classification Using Field-Based and Environmental Geometallurgy Indicators, Mount Lyell, Tasmania
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posted on 2023-05-22, 17:17 authored by Anita Parbhakar-Fox, Bernd LottermoserBest practice for acid rock drainage (ARD) risk assessment predominately relies on the geochemical properties of sulfidic rocks. Consequently, a plethora of geochemical tests are routinely utilised by the mining industry to predict ARD formation. Due to limitations associated with these tests and their relatively high costs, analysis of recommended best practice sample numbers is rarely achieved, thus reducing the accuracy of waste management plans. This research aimed to address this through identifying potential geometallurgy indicators using drill core samples (n = 70) obtained from the Comstock Chert, a new prospect proximal to Mount Lyell, western Tasmania, Australia. Samples were subjected to a range of mineralogical analyses, routine ARD geochemical tests (i.e., paste pH; acid-base accounting, ABA; net acid generation, NAG), field-based techniques (e.g., portable X-ray fluorescence, pXRF; short-wave infrared spectrometry, SWIR) and geometallurgical analyses (i.e., HyLogger, Equolip). This study demonstrated: (1) HyLogger data allows identification of acid-neutralizing carbonate minerals; (2) Equolip hardne s data provide a con ervalive indication of lag-time to acid formation; (3) CARD risk grading accurately identifies high and low risk ARD domain; and (4) pXRF data provides a sound indication of the abundance of environmentally significant elements. Consequently, the application of geometallurgical techniques to drill core allows the prediction of ARD characteristics that inform waste characterization and management plans.
History
Publication title
Environmental Indicators in Metal MiningEditors
B LottermoserPagination
157-177ISBN
978-3-319-42729-4Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Springer International PublishingPlace of publication
SwitzerlandExtent
22Rights statement
Copyright 2017 Springer International Publishing SwitzerlandRepository Status
- Restricted